Robinella & the CC String Band

Robinella & the CC String Band

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Most jazz-country hybrids tend to emphasize the instrumental side of the equation, but Robinella and the CCStringband, a mostly acoustic bluegrass-tinged quintet from Knoxville, Tennessee, break the mold by putting Robinella Contreras’s stylish vocals front and center. When she sings about getting her kicks from an old fruit jar on her version of Red Foley’s classic "Tennessee Saturday Night," her sophisticated phrasing and the swinging mandolin breaks from her husband Cruz Contreras make it sound as if she’s talking about martinis instead of moonshine. But Contreras still has some twang in her voice, and even when she scats, as she does on "Honey Honey Bee," there’s a "front porch" feel to her singing. For some, Robinella and the CCStringband may sometimes be a bit too laid back, but their easygoing charm is a pleasant change from the frenetic tempos that drive many bluegrass-inspired bands. --Michael Simmons

Robinella & the CC String Band,Robinella & the CC String Band,Sony,Contemporary Bluegrass,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop


Robinella & the CC String Band

Solace for the Lonely
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • a real surprise
  • To be enjoyed, not analyzed
  • All polished up and headed in the Wrong direction
  • What a Tremendous Talent
  • Etherial
Solace for the Lonely
Robinella
Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Swing GeneralSwing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Robinella & the CC String Band
  2. Weather and Water
  3. The Little Willies
  4. Black Cadillac
  5. Blanket For My Soul EP

ASIN: B000E115UY
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

  1. Break It Down Baby
  2. Solace For The Lonely
  3. Press On
  4. Down The Mountain
  5. Whippin Wind
  6. Come Back My Way
  7. Little Boy
  8. Oh So Sexy
  9. Teardrops
  10. All I've Given
  11. Waiting
  12. Brand New Key
  13. I Fall In Love As Much As I Can

Product Description

1. Break It Down baby
2. Solace For The Lonely
3. Press On
4. Down The Mountain
5. Whippin Wind
6. Come Back My Way
7. Little Boy
8. Oh So Sexy
9. Teardrops
10. All I've Given
11. Waiting
12. Brand New Key
13. I Fall In Love As Much As I Can

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The languid, Billie Holiday-like phrasing comes even more to the fore on the solo label debut by RobinElla, who surveys a landscape on Solace for the Lonely that extends from jazzy swing to Appalachian spirituals to '70s funk. While her previous recordings, billed as RobinElla and the CC Stringband, were more acoustic and string-driven, the percussion and organ groove of "Little Boy" and the scat-laced "All I've Given" take her farther from her musical roots in bluegrass and Tennessee mountain music. Yet the heartbreak waltz of "Teardrop" would sound just fine on a shot-and-a-beer honky-tonk jukebox, and "Press On" has the open-hearted purity of Appalachian church. She even channels her inner Melanie on a playful revival of "Brand New Key," while the title song spotlights the sophistication of a jazz chanteuse. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a real surprise.......2007-05-07

I found Robinella courtesy of a Pandora link. I was immediately enthralled with her voice and style, the range of her tastes. So much so, I ended up buying all her available albums. Completely unique and ambiguous, I have been particularly fond of "Break it Down," and " Press On," the latter which I have already scheduled for my funeral.

5 out of 5 stars To be enjoyed, not analyzed.......2006-12-20

The depth of feeling and power of this music took my breath away and left me wiping away tears, sometimes of sadness and sometimes exhilaration. These songs, for me "Press On" especially, will hook you, make you stop what you're doing and touch your heart. No need to dissect the arrangements or analyze the artist. Just be nourished by it. The album is aptly named, in my opinion, since there is a difference between closure and solace, there often being no closure for lonliness and loss. This music conveys the distinction well. I would buy this one to compensate the artist for providing such an exquisitely beautiful way to get in touch with feelings of value.

3 out of 5 stars All polished up and headed in the Wrong direction.......2006-09-11

Nice, but not special. Overproduced, overarranged (if that's a word) I guess this is a mainstream Nashville sound. Too bad. I liked her and the CC String Band's earlier recordings.

5 out of 5 stars What a Tremendous Talent.......2006-08-07

This music is so soulful that it takes my breath away. Robinella's voice is full of feeling - pain, joy, loneliness, longing - it's all there. "Down the Mountain" and "Whippin Wind" are but a couple of the gems on this wonderful CD. I'll be seeing Robinella this week in Madison, WI, and can't wait! Buy this CD and hear for yourself how much passion and feeling music can hold.

5 out of 5 stars Etherial.......2006-07-23

Robinella's performance on this work is simply wonderful. With the voice of passion and innocence Robin entrances the listener with a delightful mix of sounds not easily catalogued. Her faith background is fully incorporated with the mountain music of America very evident. I highly recommend a listen to this lovely music.
Robinella & the CC String Band
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Very pleasant. A Good Feelin' CD
  • It's The Real Deal!
  • Gasp, giggle, then cry with joy
  • Only writing this review because the band is so good
  • These guys are great...but
Robinella & the CC String Band
Robinella & the CC String Band
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ContemporaryContemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
4-for-3 Country4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Rock4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Solace for the Lonely
  2. Weather and Water
  3. Blanket For My Soul EP
  4. The Duhks
  5. The Little Willies

ASIN: B0000996HY
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

  1. Man Over
  2. Tennessee Saturday Night
  3. Dress Me Up, Dress Me Down
  4. Mornin' Dove
  5. Honey Honey Bee
  6. Always The Same, Always The Best
  7. Hold To God's Unchanging Hand
  8. Mistakes
  9. Candy Coated Valentine
  10. Marie Laveaux
  11. No Saint, No Prize
  12. Solitude

Amazon.com

Most jazz-country hybrids tend to emphasize the instrumental side of the equation, but Robinella and the CCStringband, a mostly acoustic bluegrass-tinged quintet from Knoxville, Tennessee, break the mold by putting Robinella Contreras's stylish vocals front and center. When she sings about getting her kicks from an old fruit jar on her version of Red Foley's classic "Tennessee Saturday Night," her sophisticated phrasing and the swinging mandolin breaks from her husband Cruz Contreras make it sound as if she's talking about martinis instead of moonshine. But Contreras still has some twang in her voice, and even when she scats, as she does on "Honey Honey Bee," there's a "front porch" feel to her singing. For some, Robinella and the CCStringband may sometimes be a bit too laid back, but their easygoing charm is a pleasant change from the frenetic tempos that drive many bluegrass-inspired bands. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Very pleasant. A Good Feelin' CD.......2007-06-18

After hearing about this band on KUT Austin this CD reminded me of how I felt while listening to early Nancy Griffith, Shawn Colvin and Allison Krauss. Although they have very different styles I knew that with their unique voices they would make it as great artists. A good feeling CD

5 out of 5 stars It's The Real Deal!.......2007-01-30

This swings! Think: Dan Hicks meets Tift Merrit-type vocals. If this one doesn't get your toe a tappin', you better check your pulse, because you may already be dead.

5 out of 5 stars Gasp, giggle, then cry with joy.......2006-07-24

Incredible voice and range with intricately simple instrumentals through eclectic selections. Norah Jones, Janis Joplin, Dolly Parton and Stevie Nicks all somehow from the same throat. I dare you to breathe and keep your eyes dry listening to this album.

5 out of 5 stars Only writing this review because the band is so good.......2006-06-08

This CD has plenty of reviews; I'm only adding mine because I'm so impressed with the band's skill and Robinella's voice. I thought of writing something like, "She makes Alison Krauss look like a choir teacher," but that's just going overboard, and unfair. Both women have incredible voices, but I find Robinella's songs more appealing. I think it's Robinella's vocal control at very low volume--utter clarity when she's almost whispering even high notes. I find that amazing. She probably has a few choir teachers in her past.

On the strength of this album, I purchased her followup album as soon as it was available. Sorry to say, I don't like it nearly as well as this one, but it's still pretty good.

4 out of 5 stars These guys are great...but.......2005-10-28

I love these guys. saw them with kasey chambers - twice - went back the second time just to see them. This cd is good but i feel like the big studio washed some of the sparkle and energy from their music. The first two cd's - which have many of the same songs - have something just a little extra that makes them 5's and this a 4. Still the music is great and robin and cruz are both super - got to chat with both of them at the house of blues in new orleans. solid.
Robinella And The CC String Band: Morning Dove Sampler
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Robinella And The CC String Band: Morning Dove Sampler
Robinella And The CC String Band: Morning Dove Sampler
Robinella And The CC String Band
Manufacturer: Sony Music Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000E0C5UY

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Robinella And The CC String Band: Morning Dove Sampler.......2007-03-04

Track List:

1. Man Over
2. Tennessee Saturday Night
3. Dress Me Up, Dress Me Down
4. Honey Honey Bee
5. Mistakes
6. No Saint, No Prize
Pen to Paper
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A must have!
Pen to Paper

Manufacturer: Moon Eagle Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA7F92
Release Date: 2005-01-18

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A must have!.......2007-07-23

This CD has been a staple in my music collection for the last several years & it's one of the few that I never tire of listening too. Jay's writing is wonderful & his songs are about simple everyday things that everyone can relate to. And if you've ever seen him perform songs like "Catfish" or "Coal Minin' Man" live, you know the passion Jay has for music, family & friends. If you're a fan of americana/acoustic/country/singer-songwriters, do yourself a favor & pick up a copy of Pen To Paper.

1. Goin' Home
2. Another Night
3. Catfish
4. Coal Minin' Man
5. Lately
6. Sunday Afternoon
7. Regurgitated
8. Hills Of Home
9. Spinnin' & Grinnin'
10. Rainin' Down On Me
11. Pen To Paper
12. The Blind Man
Progress
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Progress
    Jay Clark
    Manufacturer: Moon Eagle Music
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000FTB57I
    Release Date: 2006-02-14

    Tracks:

    1. When I Get to Drinkin'
    2. These Hills
    3. Demons
    4. Hard Life
    5. Progress
    6. Constant Reminder
    7. Better Man
    8. Afterlife
    9. Scars
    10. West Virginia Smiles
    11. Outta Here
    City Folk Live Vol. 6: WFUV 90.7
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      City Folk Live Vol. 6: WFUV 90.7
      Aimee Mann, Patty Larkin, Ziggy Marley, Bruce Cockburn, Nellie Mckay, Richard Thompson , Marcia Ball, Art Garfunkel, Blind Boys of Alabama, Daniel Lanois, Ben Harper , Robinella & The CC String Band, Kathleen Edwards, The Thorns. Alexi Murdoch , and Ken Denson, Los Lonely Boys. Damien Rice
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD
      ASIN: B000KMMBVY

      Product Description

      Exclusive, live performances from the studios of WFUV Public Radio in New York City.

      Rap Music:

      1. Rock of the Westies [Original recording remastered]
      2. Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers
      3. Side Two
      4. Silvertone
      5. Sing Great Country Hits/Gone Gone Gone [Original recording remastered] [Import]
      6. Six Wives of Henry VIII
      7. So Cold [Enhanced] [EP]
      8. So, It's Like That
      9. Songs for a Blue Guitar
      10. Spectrum

      Rap Music

      rap music

      Recommended Music:

      Nocturnal Mix

      Super Estrellas de la Opera

      The Genius of Charlie Parker [Original recording remastered]

      Music: J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach: Works for Clavichord

      The Life And Times Of George W. Bush [Explicit Lyrics]

      The Birth EP

      The Passages Series: The Fruit of the Spirit

      The Unforgettable Fire

      Snowblind Friend [Import]

      Sonidero Nacional

      Thin Wire Walk

      Sinderfella

      Stadium Techno Experience [Enhanced] [Import]

      Of Angels Wings & Voices

      Bill Frisell Quartet